Sir Michael Pitt to lead floods review
The Lessons Learned Review, to be carried out by the Cabinet Office with support from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for Communities and Local Government, will examine both how to reduce the risk and impact of floods, and the emergency response to the floods in June and July
It will seek views from those involved in the floods, including affected residents, the emergency services, business and professional associations.Sir Michael Pitt will take up the position of Independent Chair of the review, which was originally announced by Hilary Benn in a statement to the House of Commons on July 12.
The terms of reference for the review are:
a) Flood risk management, including the risk posed by surface water flooding and the way in which public and private sector might adapt to future risks.
b) Vulnerability of critical infrastructure, including:
i). The ability of critical infrastructure to withstand flooding, and what improvements might be made.
ii). The resilience of dams and associated structures and what improvements might be made.
c). The emergency response to the flooding, including social and welfare issues.
d). Issues for wider emergency planning arising from the actual or potential loss of essential infrastructure.
e). Issues arising during the transition period from the response to recovery phases.
In his role as Independent Chairperson of the Lessons Learned Review, Sir Michael Pitt will report to Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, and Ed Miliband, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Sir Michael Pitt will chair the review, supported by teams drawn in the main from Defra, CLG and the Cabinet Office. These teams will be assisted by experts from other bodies such as the Met Office, the Environment Agency, local authorities, major utilities.
The review will draw on evidence from all those involved in the emergency response; those who suffered the impact of the flooding, including businesses, public organisations such as schools and hospitals; and the public and their locally elected representatives.
